Research Associate II - Diabetes Research

City of Hope; Duarte (CA); On-site; USD 100,289,000 - 155,476,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hope in Duarte, CA, invites a Research Associate II to advance studies on pancreatic beta-cell development, function, and regeneration at the Dhawan Lab. The role emphasizes independent execution of advanced molecular biology, data analysis, and scientific communication.

You will work with mammalian cell culture, animal models, and state-of-the-art techniques, contributing to impactful cancer/diabetes research while maintaining thorough records and collaborating across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences.
• 2+ years hands‑on lab research with a bachelor’s or 1+ year with a master’s.
• Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments with detailed records.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and animal/tissue research preferred.
• Strong communication and meticulous documentation.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments using mammalian cell culture, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting.
• Develop, optimize, troubleshoot protocols; validate experimental plans and approaches.
• Analyze and present data; maintain rigorous research records.
• Manage lab operations including inventory, reagents, equipment, and safety.
• Train and mentor staff; stay current with literature and regulatory standards.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Python/R

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biological Sciences

Tools

DNA/RNA isolation

qRT-PCR

Western blotting

Cell culture

Immunohistochemistry

Mouse genetics

Confocal imaging

Histology

Job description

Thank you for your interest. Please note, the purpose of this posting is to recruit for on-going and future positions.

Pay Rate: $35-$54.26 per hour

Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty and staff are driven by a common mission: Contribute to innovative approaches in predicting, preventing, and curing diseases, shaping the future of medicine through cutting-edge research.

The Dhawan Lab at the Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute seeks a Research Associate II to investigate mechanisms regulating pancreatic beta-cell development, function, and regeneration, as well as diabetes pathogenesis. We are looking for a researcher who can work with minimal supervision and take ownership of experiments: plan and execute established protocols with limited supervision, establish new methodology, recognize when results need further investigation, troubleshoot, and communicate findings and next steps clearly.

As a successful candidate you will:

• Independently conduct complex molecular and cellular biology research using a wide range of techniques, including mammalian cell culture, iPSC models, DNA/RNA isolation, sequencing library preparation, RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, mouse genetics, confocal imaging, and islet physiology studies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot laboratory methods and experimental protocols; recommend alternative approaches, validate experimental plans, and ensure reliable research outcomes.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data while maintaining thorough and accurate research records; contribute to laboratory meetings, departmental presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
• Manage laboratory operations, including inventory control, preparation of reagents and stock solutions, equipment oversight, and safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel on specialized techniques, instrumentation, and scientific concepts to support research productivity and compliance.
• Stay current with emerging scientific literature and technologies to implement innovative methodologies and ensure adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards.

Your qualifications should include:

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in Biological Sciences.
• 2+ years of hands‑on lab research experience with a bachelor’s degree or 1+ year related experience with a master’s degree.
• Proven ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze laboratory experiments while maintaining detailed and accurate research records.
• Hands‑on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, and related laboratory methodologies; academic research experience preferred.
• Experience with animal and tissue‑based research, including mouse work, tissue isolation, histological analysis, and operation of microtome and cryostat systems preferred.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, with proficiency in MS Office, R and/or Python, meticulous attention to detail, and flexibility to support project deadlines, including occasional weekend work.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.